Plate dispensing and supporting apron

ABSTRACT

A plate dispensing and supporting apron has a plate dispenser and support that can be stowed in a vertical configuration and released so that it extends horizontally in a deployed position. It can then support a plate with food, condiments, utensils, etc. The plate can be easily retained on the plate dispenser and support so that the wearer can cook, serve food, grill, etc. while having ready access to the materials on the plate dispenser and support. A horizontal pocket can be incorporated in the plate dispenser and support that can hold extra plates. A vertical pocket can be incorporated as well to hold additional items (such as utensils, napkins, etc.).

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to the field of protective clothing for cooking; and more particularly, to a plate dispensing and supporting apron.

BACKGROUND

The field of art has known a variety of aprons and protective clothing that can be worn to protect a person and/or his or her primary clothing from the vagaries of cooking. Today, it is possible to find aprons that have images, color-schemes, graphics, etc. added to them in order to customize them for a wearer's particular tastes or interests. However, such ‘custom’ aprons are still just aprons: their primary function is a protective one. For example, a fan of American football might have an apron sporting his or her favorite team colors, name, etc. Such aprons can be aesthetically pleasing, but they offer no more functionality than their predecessors.

Expanding on the football fan example above, a typical apron-wearing cook needs to keep his or her hands free to operate the grill, stove, oven, or other cooking apparatus in order to prepare the food. Because of this fact, he or she is often the last one to partake in the food and drink since it can be difficult to juggle a plate and cup/bottle with one hand while flipping burgers with the other. Additionally, when serving food to others, the cook often needs an extra hand to locate and dispense plates, silverware, food, condiments, etc. to others.

What is needed is an enhanced apron that not only protects the wearer and/or his or her clothes, but also provides a plate dispenser and a plate support that simultaneously allows the wearer to dispense plates to others and hold a plate of his/her own while keeping the cook's hands free for other tasks. Additionally, an enhanced apron needs to provide a beverage holder as well as locations to keep condiments, napkins, silverware, and other cooking/grilling essentials close at hand all while being able to be converted to look and function like a minimalist standard apron when desired.

SUMMARY

One embodiment of the present invention comprises an enhanced apron that incorporates a plate dispenser and support that folds down from a frontal area of the apron to create a plate dispenser and support horizontal support structure upon which the cook can place a plate full of food all the while allowing his or her hands to be free to grill, cook, serve, etc. The plate dispenser and support can have a horizontal pocket incorporated under the horizontal support structure that provides for the storage of plates therein. Additional components can include a plurality of waist extension pockets configured to hold beverage(s), condiment(s), utensil(s), etc. A plate dispensing and supporting apron can have an adjustable neck retention strap, a plate dispenser and support vertical pocket, first and second adjustable waist retention straps, and a plurality of waist extension retention devices.

Together, the components of a plate dispensing and supporting apron provide a plethora of enhanced functionalities that can allow a cook to participate in the festivities (e.g., eating and drinking) while simultaneously preparing food for everyone else.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The aforementioned and other features and objects of the present invention and the manner of attaining them will become more apparent and the invention itself will be best understood by reference to the following descriptions of a preferred embodiment and other embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a plate dispensing and supporting apron with a plate dispenser and support in its horizontal deployed position;

FIG. 2 illustrates a front elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a plate dispensing and supporting apron with a plate dispenser and support in its vertical stowed position;

FIG. 3 illustrates a front elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a plate dispensing and supporting apron with a plate dispenser and support in its horizontal deployed position;

FIG. 4 illustrates a side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a plate dispensing and supporting apron with a plate dispenser and support in its horizontal deployed position;

FIG. 5 illustrates a front elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a plate dispensing and supporting apron with a plate dispenser and support in its vertical stowed position and a waist extension of the apron framework folded up into a waist extension stowed position;

FIG. 6 illustrates a front elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a plate dispensing and supporting apron with a plate dispenser and support in its vertical stowed position and a waist extension of the apron framework rolled up into a waist extension rolled position; and

FIG. 7 illustrates a rear elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a plate dispensing and supporting apron highlighting some of the plurality of waist extension retention devices that can be used to fold and/or roll the waist extension of the apron framework.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following discussion, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments may be practiced without such specific details. Furthermore, lists and/or examples are often provided and should be interpreted as exemplary only and in no way limiting embodiments to only those examples.

Exemplary embodiments are described below in the accompanying Figures. The following detailed description provides a comprehensive review of the drawing Figures in order to provide a thorough understanding of, and an enabling description for, these embodiments. One having ordinary skill in the art will understand that in some cases, well-known structures and functions have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the descriptions of the embodiments.

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a plate dispensing and supporting apron 10 with a plate dispenser and support 31 in its horizontal deployed position. The main body of the enhanced plate dispensing and supporting apron 10 has an apron framework 20 comprising an apron framework chest portion 30 and an apron framework waist extension 50. Attached to the front of the apron framework 20 is the plate dispenser and support 31.

The plate dispenser and support 31 is illustrated in FIG. 1 in its horizontal deployed position extending out horizontally (and generally perpendicularly) from the apron framework 20. The plate dispenser and support 31 comprises a plate dispenser and support horizontal support structure 39 that serves as the tray and main support structure. It is large enough to support and hold a plate thereon and can include small sidewalls 42 and 43 around its periphery to ensure items placed on the plate dispenser and support horizontal support structure 39 are retained thereon.

Facing forward when in the horizontal deployed position is a plate dispenser and support horizontal pocket 37. This pocket provides a storage space within the plate dispenser and support horizontal support structure 39 in which plates can be stored. By storing plates therein, the wearer has instant access to a ready supply in order to quickly and easily serve food on said plates whenever needed. Furthermore, the plates provide additional strength and support for the plate dispenser and support horizontal support structure 39. The plate dispenser and support horizontal pocket 37 can be opened and closed via a horizontal pocket closure device 40. Such a device can comprise hook and loop material, snap(s), button(s), zipper(s), magnet(s), and/or any other suitable closure device that can be easily opened in order to provide access to items within the pocket 37 and closed whenever the wearer wants to retain items securely therein.

The plate dispenser and support 31 can have a plate dispenser and support vertical pocket 32. A plate dispenser and support vertical pocket outside wall 35 can be attached on the sides and bottom to the apron framework 20, leaving the top edge unattached, and thereby forming the vertical pocket 32. Said pocket is designed to hold silverware, cooking utensils, etc. The plate dispenser and support vertical pocket 32 can be opened and closed via a vertical pocket closure device 36. Such a device can comprise hook and loop material, snap(s), button(s), zipper(s), magnet(s), and/or any other suitable closure device that can be easily opened in order to provide access to items within the vertical pocket 32 and closed whenever the wearer wants to retain items securely therein.

Extending from the apron framework 20 (and/or from the vertical pocket 32), are a plurality of plate dispenser and support fold-down suspension members 33. Said members 33 suspend the plate dispenser and support 31 in its horizontal deployed position. Note that the suspension members 33 can include a plurality of suspension member adjusters 38 that allow the length of the suspension members 33 to be adjusted. By adjusting these adjusters 38, the wearer can control the angle at which the plate dispenser and support 31 extends outwards from the apron framework 20. For example, if the wearer would like the plate dispenser and support 31 to angle slightly backwards towards the apron framework 20, the wearer would slightly tighten the plurality of suspension member adjusters 38.

In proximity to the outer corners of the plate dispenser and support 31 are a plurality of plate dispenser and support vertical retention devices 34. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the vertical retention devices 34 are designed to cooperate with corresponding vertical retention devices located on the apron framework 20 above the plate dispenser and support 31. Together, this plurality of vertical retention devices 34 can be actuated to secure the plate dispenser and support 31 in a vertical stowed position (see FIG. 2) and release it into a horizontal deployed position as shown in FIG. 1. The vertical retention devices 34 can comprise hook and loop material(s), snap(s), button(s), zipper(s), magnet(s), and/or any other suitable closure devices that can ensure the plate dispenser and support 31 stays stowed when desired and yet is easily deployed when needed. Although the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 illustrates the two receiving vertical retention devices 34 located on the apron framework 20 above the top of the vertical pocket 32, said retention devices could, in another embodiment, be placed on the plate dispenser and support vertical pocket outside wall instead.

Also located on the front of the apron framework 20 can be a first plurality of waist extension pockets 56 as well as a second plurality of waist extension pockets 58. Although said pockets 56 and 58 can be located on the apron framework waist extension 50, one or more may also be located on the apron framework chest portion 30. Said pockets 56 and 58 can be specifically designed to hold certain items. For example, a particular pocket can conform to a standard beverage can or beverage bottle 92 and can even incorporate insulating materials to help maintain the temperature of the beverage. Other designs can accommodate the particular shapes/designs of common condiment bottles 91. In another embodiment, the pockets 56 and 58 can be configured to be stretchable such that they can securely hold a wide variety of cans, bottles, etc.

Partially located at approximately the middle of the apron framework 20, where the apron framework chest portion 30 meets the apron framework waist extension 50, is a plurality of waist extension retention devices. A corresponding number of waist extension retention devices can be placed on the bottom corners of the apron framework 20 such that when the waist extension portion 50 is folded upwards, the plurality of waist extension retention devices come together and secure the waist extension in a stowed position (see FIG. 5). The plurality of waist extension retention devices can comprise hook and loop material(s), snap(s), button(s), zipper(s), magnet(s), and/or any other suitable retention devices that can ensure waist extension stay stowed when desired and yet is easily released when needed.

Extending out from either side of the apron framework 20 are first and second waist retention straps 70 and 72. They are designed to extend around the sides of the wearer and be connected to one another in order to secure the apron 10 on the wearer. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, said straps 70 and 72 are shown without any connecting buckle, snap, or other device and are instead intended to simply tie to one another in order to secure the plate dispensing and supporting apron 10 on the wearer. In other embodiments, the straps 70 and 72 can include connection components such as buckles, snaps, etc. Furthermore, the straps can be adjustable (see the waist retention strap adjuster 74 in FIG. 5) so the apron 10 can fit a wide variety of body shapes/sizes.

Extending from the top of the apron framework 20 is a neck retention strap 60. The neck retention strap 60 is designed to be placed around the back of the neck of the wearer and then secured back to the other side of the apron framework 20. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the next retention strap 60 incorporates a neck retention strap connector 64 which assists the wearer in attaching the loose end of the next retention strap 60 to the apron framework 20. In other embodiments, the neck retention strap 60 is connected on both ends to the top of the apron framework 20. Also illustrated in FIG. 1 is a neck retention strap adjuster 62 which can be used to adjust the length of the neck retention strap 60 to make it fit people with larger or smaller dimensions than average. The strap adjuster 62 can be a simple buckle or it can incorporate another form of length adjustment therein. Similarly, the neck retention strap connector 64 can comprise simple hook and loop material(s), or button(s), zipper(s), snap(s), buckle(s), etc.

FIG. 1 illustrates the plate dispenser and support 31 in its horizontal deployed position where the plate dispenser and support horizontal support structure 39 extends horizontally out from the apron framework 20. Placed thereon is an exemplary plate 98, cup 97 and plurality of food items 99. These items are shown for illustrative purposes only as the wearer can place whatever he or she wants on the support structure 39. Also, it should be noted that while plates, food, utensils, and similar low-center-of-gravity items are relatively secure on the support structure 39, cups, bottles, and items with a higher center-of-gravity may be better secured within the first or second plurality of waist extension pockets 56 and 58.

As can be seen from the environmental objects in FIG. 1 (e.g., the plate 98, plurality of food items 99, cup 97, condiment bottle 91, and beverage bottle 92), the unique and novel features of the plate dispensing and supporting apron 10 allow it to hold a plethora of items securely for the wearer, thereby allowing the wearer to keep his or her hands free for cooking, serving food, etc. This is especially valuable when the wearer is grilling or otherwise preparing food outside when nearby counters and tables may be hard to come by.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a plate dispensing and supporting apron 10 with a plate dispenser and support 31 in its vertical stowed position. Note how cleanly the plate dispenser and support 31 can be stowed, no straps, buckles, etc. need to remain exposed. The plurality of plate dispenser and support vertical retention devices 34 are not visible when the support 31 is stowed. Although only four such retention devices 34 are illustrated in FIG. 1, more or fewer may be used in alternate embodiments. Additionally, vertical retention devices 34 can comprise zippers, buttons, snaps, and other such closure devices and can extend all along the sides and top of the plate dispenser and support 31 so as to completely and neatly stow the support 31 against the apron framework 20. Depending on the particular embodiment, the plate dispenser and support vertical pocket 32 may or may not be accessible while the support 31 is stowed. Similarly, depending on the particular embodiment, the plate dispenser and support horizontal pocket 37 may or may not be accessible while the support 31 is stowed.

Note that in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the first plurality of waist extension pockets 56 have a flatter configuration than the second plurality of waist extension pockets 58. In other embodiments, yet other types of pockets 56 and 58 are contemplated.

The plate dispenser and support 31 is illustrated in FIG. 2 as being located on the apron framework chest portion 30. When located as such, the wearer can deploy the plate dispenser and support 31 while standing or while seated. Additionally, when the wearer is seated, the plate dispenser and support 31 can be positioned to rest upon the wearer's lap so that it is perfectly positioned to benefit from exterior support and provide a solid surface for eating, etc.

In another embodiment, the plate dispenser and support 31 can be located further down the apron framework 20 so that the resulting plate dispenser and support horizontal support structure 39 is located lower on the wearer's body when the support 31 is deployed.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a plate dispensing and supporting apron 10 with a plate dispenser and support 31 in its horizontal deployed position. This view is quite similar to FIG. 1 except that it is an elevation view instead of a perspective view and the environmental items (e.g., cup, bottle, food, plate, etc.) are removed so that the components of the invention can be more easily viewed.

Note especially the extra set of waist extension retention devices 51 that are included in FIG. 3 as part of the plurality of such devices. These allow the waist extension 50 to be rolled up (rather than folded) and secured (see the extra retention devices 51 located on the back of the apron framework in FIG. 7).

FIG. 4 illustrates a side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a plate dispensing and supporting apron 10 with a plate dispenser and support 31 in its horizontal deployed position. In this view it is clear that the plate dispenser and support 31 forms a shelf when it is deployed. Note how the plate dispenser and support horizontal support structure 39 is oriented generally horizontally in FIG. 4. The wearer can tighten or loosen the plurality of suspension member adjusters 38 in order to shorten or lengthen, respectively, the plurality of plate dispenser and support fold-down suspension members 33. By simply tightening the adjusters 38, the wearer can cause the support structure 39 to be angled back toward the vertical pocket outside wall 35, thereby forming an acute angle therebetween. Similarly, by loosening the adjusters 38, the wearer can cause the support structure 39 to sag downwards, causing the angle between it and the outside wall 35 to become obtuse.

FIG. 5 illustrates a front elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a plate dispensing and supporting apron 10 with a plate dispenser and support 31 in its vertical stowed position and a waist extension 50 of the apron framework 20 folded up into a waist extension stowed position. Note that the plurality of waist extension retention devices 51 is not directly visible in FIG. 5 (although two are depicted as broken lines for reference).

The first waist retention strap 70 and second waist retention strap 72 are illustrated in the embodiment in FIG. 5 as being slightly different than earlier FIGs. Here, the first waist retention strap 70 is much longer than the second waist retention strap 72. Also, the straps 70 and 72 each have half of a mating pair of snap-buckles at their ends so they can be easily and quickly attached to one another without having to tie and untie. The first waist retention strap 70 and incorporates a waist retention strap adjuster 74 that allows the wearer to shorten or lengthen the strap 70 as needed for a custom fit of the waist retention strap. Once fitted, the snap-buckle allows the waist retention straps 70 and 72 to be easily removed and put back on while retaining the custom fit.

FIG. 6 illustrates a front elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a plate dispensing and supporting apron 10 with a plate dispenser and support 31 in its vertical stowed position and a waist extension 50 of the apron framework 20 rolled up into a waist extension rolled position. In this configuration, the apron 10 is very neatly secured so that it can function as a very minimal apron if that is all that a wearer needs. However, the plate dispenser and support 31 can be quickly deployed as desired in order to gain the functionality of the plate dispenser and support horizontal support structure. Furthermore, the waist extension 50 can be unrolled, thereby deploying the waist extension and pluralities of waist extension pockets.

FIG. 7 illustrates a rear elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a plate dispensing and supporting apron 10 highlighting some of the plurality of waist extension retention devices 51 that can be used to fold and/or roll the waist extension 50 of the apron framework 20. Since they are located on the back of the apron 10, they can be utilized to roll and/or fold the waist extension 50 back and/or under so that the front of the apron 10 does not have a fold or roll that could snag or catch on things.

While particular embodiments of the invention have been described and disclosed in the present application, it should be understood that any number of permutations, modifications, or embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. Accordingly, it is not the intention of this application to limit this invention in any way except as by the appended claims.

Particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the invention with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the invention to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification, unless the above “Detailed Description” section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the invention encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the invention.

The above detailed description of the embodiments of the invention is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise embodiment or form disclosed herein or to the particular field of usage mentioned in this disclosure. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the invention are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. Also, the teachings of the invention provided herein can be applied to other systems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments.

In light of the above “Detailed Description,” the Inventor may make changes to the invention. While the detailed description outlines possible embodiments of the invention and discloses the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the invention may be practiced in a myriad of ways. Thus, implementation details may vary considerably while still being encompassed by the spirit of the invention as disclosed by the inventor. As discussed herein, specific terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the invention with which that terminology is associated.

While certain aspects of the invention are presented below in certain claim forms, the inventor contemplates the various aspects of the invention in any number of claim forms. Accordingly, the inventor reserves the right to add additional claims after filing the application to pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects of the invention.

The above specification, examples and data provide a description of the structure and use of exemplary implementations of the described articles of manufacture and methods. It is important to note that many implementations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A plate dispensing and supporting apron, comprising: an apron framework extending in a generally vertical orientation and having a front side and a rear side; the apron framework having an apron framework chest portion and an apron framework waist extension, wherein the waist extension extends downwards from the chest portion; a plate dispenser and support attached to the apron framework, the plate dispenser and support adapted such that it can be folded up and stored in a generally vertical orientation and deployed into a generally horizontal configuration; the plate dispenser and support having a plate dispenser and support horizontal support structure that is adapted to hold one or more plates generally horizontally; a plurality of plate dispenser and support fold-down suspension members attached to the plate dispenser and support and adapted to help maintain the plate dispenser and support horizontal support structure in a horizontal configuration; and a plurality of plate dispenser and support vertical retention devices adapted to secure the plate dispenser and support in a vertical stowed position and release the plate dispenser and support into a horizontal deployed position when actuated.
 2. The plate dispensing and supporting apron of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of small sidewalls extending around a periphery of the plate dispenser and support horizontal support structure adapted to ensure items placed on the plate dispenser and support horizontal support structure are retained thereon.
 3. The plate dispensing and supporting apron of claim 1, further comprising: the plate dispenser and support horizontal support structure having a plate dispenser and support horizontal pocket that is adapted to provide a storage space within the plate dispenser and support horizontal support structure in which plates can be stored.
 4. The plate dispensing and supporting apron of claim 2, further comprising: the plate dispenser and support horizontal support structure having a plate dispenser and support horizontal pocket that is adapted to provide a storage space within the plate dispenser and support horizontal support structure in which plates can be stored.
 5. The plate dispensing and supporting apron of claim 4, further comprising: the plate dispenser and support horizontal pocket having a horizontal pocket closure device that can be opened and closed and is adapted to securely retain items within the plate dispenser and support horizontal pocket.
 6. The plate dispensing and supporting apron of claim 1, further comprising: the plate dispenser and support having a plate dispenser and support vertical pocket configured against the front side of the apron framework and adapted to be a closeable storage area.
 7. The plate dispensing and supporting apron of claim 6, further comprising: the plate dispenser and support vertical pocket having a vertical pocket closure device that is adapted to allow the vertical pocket to be opened and closed and securely hold items therein.
 8. The plate dispensing and supporting apron of claim 1, wherein the suspension members have a plurality of suspension member adjusters that are adapted to allow the lengths of the suspension members to be adjusted.
 9. The plate dispensing and supporting apron of claim 2, wherein the suspension members have a plurality of suspension member adjusters that are adapted to allow the lengths of the suspension members to be adjusted.
 10. The plate dispensing and supporting apron of claim 6, wherein the suspension members have a plurality of suspension member adjusters that are adapted to allow the lengths of the suspension members to be adjusted.
 11. The plate dispensing and supporting apron of claim 1 wherein the plurality of plate dispenser and support vertical retention devices comprises at least one of hook and loop materials, snaps, buttons, zippers, and magnets.
 12. The plate dispensing and supporting apron of claim 1 wherein at least one of the plurality of plate dispenser and support vertical retention devices is attached to the plate dispenser and support.
 13. The plate dispensing and supporting apron of claim 6 wherein at least one of the plurality of plate dispenser and support vertical retention devices is attached to the plate dispenser and support.
 14. The plate dispensing and supporting apron of claim 9 wherein at least one of the plurality of plate dispenser and support vertical retention devices is attached to the plate dispenser and support.
 15. The plate dispensing and supporting apron of claim 1, further comprising: a first plurality of waist extension pockets configured on the front side of the apron framework.
 16. The plate dispensing and supporting apron of claim 1, further comprising: a second plurality of waist extension pockets configured on the front side of the apron framework.
 17. The plate dispensing and supporting apron of claim 15 wherein at least one waist extension pocket of the first plurality of waist extension pockets is adapted to hold one of a standard beverage can and beverage bottle.
 18. The plate dispensing and supporting apron of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of waist extension retention devices attached to at least one of the waist extension and the apron framework chest portion and adapted to allow the waist extension to be retained in a stowed position.
 19. The plate dispensing and supporting apron of claim 1, further comprising: a first waist retention strap and a second waist retention strap, the straps extending outwards from either side of the apron framework and adapted to wrap around a body of a wearer and connect to one another in order to secure the apron on the wearer.
 20. The plate dispensing and supporting apron of claim 1, further comprising: a neck retention strap extending from the top of the apron framework and adapted to be placed around a neck of a wearer and secured back to the apron framework in order to secure the apron on the wearer. 